Chapter 32: Endearing

Watching her butterfly-like figure flit away, Nalan Che’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile. How interesting.

But sooner or later, she would be his. He was in no hurry. The future was long, and he had all the time and patience in the world to wear her down.

Outside, Tong Xiaoman suddenly felt a chill run through her. An ominous premonition had come over her.

———

The Nalan family mansion, side hall.

Mu Zi, the bride abandoned by Nalan Che.

Her father, Mu Bang, had once served under Nalan Tian. When she was still a child, he had died heroically while saving Nalan Tian. To make amends, Nalan Tian had brought her and her mother into his home. Her mother, overcome by depression, had passed away several years ago, leaving Mu Zi an orphan.

To repay the debt of gratitude, Nalan Tian had done everything he could to arrange for Nalan Che to marry her. Never had he imagined that on the very day of the wedding, Nalan Che would refuse to go through with it and brazenly leave her behind for another woman.

Who would believe that she did not hate him or resent him?

Yet she had said nothing. She had merely packed her belongings in silence, preparing to leave the mansion—only to inadvertently alarm everyone inside.

When Nalan Che’s mother, Qiu Jinghe, heard the news, she hurried over to stop her.

Mu Zi was a striking beauty, with lustrous black hair, fair and delicate skin, exquisite features, and bright, limpid eyes that seemed to fill with tears at the slightest blink, making her irresistibly pitiable.

Her face was somewhat pale, and she looked worn and haggard.

Qiu Jinghe hurried forward, clasped her cold wrist, and said with a face full of remorse, “Mu Zi, don’t leave. Che is the one who wronged you. I apologize to you on his behalf.”

Mu Zi quickly shook her head. “Auntie, please don’t say that. I would be inviting misfortune upon myself. This was my fault; it has nothing to do with Big Brother Che. I only hope that after I leave, none of you will blame him.”

“He treated you this way, and you’re still speaking up for him. You truly are such a sensible child. Che must have been blind to run away from his own wedding.” Qiu Jinghe had watched Mu Zi grow up. She had always been sensible, gentle, modest, obedient, and filial, and Qiu Jinghe had always been deeply fond of her. Ever since she learned that the old master intended to marry Mu Zi to her son, she had regarded her as her daughter-in-law.

“Auntie, promise me you won’t blame Big Brother Che.” Mu Zi gazed at her earnestly, pleading with heartfelt sincerity.

The more she behaved this way, the more guilty Qiu Jinghe felt, convinced that her son had wronged Mu Zi terribly.

“I won’t blame him, if that’s what you want. But you are not allowed to leave. You must stay. Ever since the old master brought you and your mother here, I’ve regarded you as family. If you leave, I’ll be heartbroken.”

“Auntie, I’ve already made up my mind to move out. Please let me go. Even if I don’t live here, I’ll come back to visit you often.”

Mu Zi’s eyes grew moist, her face filled with reluctance to part.

“No, you can’t leave. The old master would never allow it.” If Mu Zi left, what would she say to him?

In this entire mansion, the old master’s favorite child was not his own grandson, but Mu Zi.

“Auntie, I was afraid he wouldn’t permit it, which is why I didn’t go and say goodbye to him in person. Grandfather’s health isn’t very good now. You must take good care of him in the future.”

At the mention of the old master, Mu Zi choked up.

“That brat’s abandoning the wedding has already dealt the old master a terrible blow. If you leave as well, the poor old man won’t be able to bear it. You’re the child he loves most. Can you really bear to make him sad?” Qiu Jinghe asked, her face filled with worry.

“No. Grandfather has always treated me so well. How could I bear to make him sad?” Mu Zi quickly shook her head.